The San Francisco Dons (21-6) are set to challenge the Saint Mary’s Gaels (21-6) in a highly anticipated WCC showdown. With identical records, this matchup is crucial for conference standings and postseason positioning. Let’s run through our San Francisco vs. Saint Mary’s predictions below.
San Francisco Dons vs. Saint Mary’s Gaels Odds Info
- Moneyline: San Francisco +230 / Saint Mary’s -290
- Spread: St. Mary’s -7
- Total: 132.5
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Game Info
- Date: Tuesday, Feb. 20
- Time: 11:00 PM ET
- Location: University Credit Union Pavilion – Moraga, CA
- TV: ESPN2
San Francisco Dons Betting Trends
- On the road, San Francisco Dons are 6 and 3 this season.
- Against the spread this season, San Francisco Dons are 15 and 11.
- Against the spread on the road, San Francisco Dons are 6 and 5.
Saint Mary’s Gaels Betting Trends
- At home, Saint Mary’s Gaels are 12 and 3 this season.
- Against the spread this season, Saint Mary’s Gaels are 14 and 12.
- Against the spread at home, Saint Mary’s Gaels are 8 and 9.
San Francisco Dons vs. Saint Mary’s Gaels Predictions
The San Francisco Dons, riding a six-game winning streak, are looking to continue their impressive run against a formidable Saint Mary’s squad that has also notched 21 wins this season. The Dons boast a high-powered offense, ranking 64th in average points with 79.0 per game, and are 15th in field goal percentage at 49.4%. Their star forward Jonathan Mogbo, averaging 15.2 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, will be a key player to watch as he leads his team against the Gaels’ stout defense.
Saint Mary’s, on the other hand, has been dominant on the defensive end, allowing the second-fewest points per game in the NCAA at 57.7. With a balanced attack led by guard Aidan Mahaney, who averages 14.0 points per game, and center Mitchell Saxen, pulling down 7.4 rebounds per contest, the Gaels will look to control the pace and utilize their defensive prowess to stifle the Dons’ offense. The Gaels’ ability to convert on the offensive glass could prove pivotal in a game that is expected to be a battle of tempo and possession.
This contest is not just a clash of two high-performing teams but also a showcase of individual talent with potential game-changing matchups. The Dons’ ability to penetrate Saint Mary’s defense and the Gaels’ offensive rebounding against San Francisco’s interior defense will be critical factors. With both teams sharing similar win percentages and conference records, this game could very well come down to which team can impose their style of play and execute in the clutch moments.
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San Francisco Dons vs. Saint Mary’s Gaels Pick
The matchup between the San Francisco Dons and the Saint Mary’s Gaels presents a classic offense vs. defense scenario. With the total line set at 132.5 and both teams having an equal number of overs and unders this season, the deciding factor leans towards the defensive capabilities of the Gaels. Saint Mary’s has been exceptional on defense, allowing the second-fewest points per game in the NCAA, and their home record against the spread suggests they can control the game’s pace. The Dons, while offensively gifted, will face a significant challenge in breaking down the Gaels’ defense, which could limit their scoring opportunities and keep the game’s total under the line.
Furthermore, the Gaels’ own offensive struggles, particularly from the free-throw line where they rank 391st in percentage, could contribute to a lower-scoring affair. The previous encounter between these two teams resulted in a total of 137 points, just above the current line, but with both teams emphasizing defense and a slow tempo, it’s reasonable to expect a tighter game with fewer scoring runs. Considering these factors, along with the Gaels’ ability to grind down opponents over 40 minutes, the under is the more compelling pick for this WCC showdown.
The Pick: Under 132.5 (PointsBet)